Automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising a protease

ABSTRACT

A phosphate-free automatic dishwashing cleaning composition comprising a protease wherein the protease has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of:
         (i) at least two amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of: X198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L, X207Q, X211Q/N and X212Q in combination with at least three amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of: X039E, X074D, X099R, X126A, X127E and X128G; or   (ii) X039E-X074D-X099R-X116R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q; or   (iii) any of the proteases of (i) and (ii) further comprising at least one amino acid substitution selected from X242D and X256E; or   (iv) X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X256E;
           using the SEQ ID NO:2 numbering.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of detergents. In particular, it relates to a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising a specific protease. The composition provides improved cleaning under a plurality of conditions versus compositions comprising conventional proteases.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There is a permanent desire to improve the performance of automatic dishwashing. Dishwashers present a plurality of programs that the user can chose from. The programs vary on temperature, number of cycles and length of the cycles. Proteases can be susceptible to temperature. Proteases designed to withstand high temperatures usually have a slow kinetic rate as temperature robustness is often driven by structural rigidity.

Automatic dishwashing products can be designed to have optimum performance under certain in-use conditions, for example a composition can be designed to have optimum performance in a hot long cycle, however a composition that has optimum performance in a hot long cycle might not have optimum performance in a short cold cycle and vice versa.

The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing composition that provides better cleaning in a plurality of programs, including hot long programs and cold short programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing cleaning composition. The composition comprises a specific protease. The composition presents improved performance in hot cycles (the main wash temperature is above 40° C., preferably above 45° C.), long cycles (the main wash is longer than 15 mins) and short cycles (the main wash lasts less than 15 mins, preferably less than 12 minutes and especially less than 10 minutes) even when the dishware is heavily soiled.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of automatic dishwashing in hot long cycles.

The disclosure of the first aspect of the invention applies mutatis mutandis to the second aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention encompasses an automatic dishwashing cleaning composition. The composition is phosphate-free and comprises a new protease. The composition provides good cleaning, in particular on egg and crème brulee in a wide range of dishwasher programs, including programs having long hot cycles.

By “hot” cycle is herein understood a dishwashing program in which the main cycle is performed at a temperature above 40° C., preferably above 45° C.

By “long” cycle is herein understood a dishwashing program in which the main cycle has a duration of at least 15, preferably at least 20 and more preferably at least 25 minutes.

By “short” cycle is herein understood a dishwashing program in which the main cycle has a duration of less than 15, preferably less than 12, preferably less than 10 minutes.

The composition of the invention comprises a variant protease, the variant proteases have a defined percentage of identity with respect to a reference protease (proteases of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2).

The protease of the composition of the invention is herein sometimes referred to as “the protease of the invention”. The proteases having any of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 are herein sometimes referred to as “the reference protease” or “the parent protease”.

The relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “sequence identity”.

The term “variant” means a protease comprising a mutation, i.e., a substitution, insertion, and/or deletion, at one or more (e.g., several) positions relative to the reference protease. A substitution means replacement of the amino acid occupying a position with a different amino acid; a deletion means removal of the amino acid occupying a position; and an insertion means adding an amino acid adjacent to and immediately following the amino acid occupying a position. The variants of the present invention have at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably a least 90% and especially 96% identity with the reference protease.

In preferred embodiments, the variant presents at least 90%, more preferably at least 96% identity with the protease of SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 1 corresponds to B. gibsonii-clade subtilisin Bgi02446. In other embodiments, the variant presents at least 90%, more preferably at least 96% identity with the protease of SEQ ID NO: 2. SEQ ID NO: 2 corresponds to B. lentus subtilisin.

The term “wild-type” protease means a protease expressed by a naturally occurring microorganism, such as a bacterium, yeast, or filamentous fungus found in nature.

Enzyme Related Terminology

Nomenclature for Amino Acid Modifications

In describing enzyme variants herein, the following nomenclature is used for ease of reference: Original amino acid(s):position(s):substituted amino acid(s).

According to this nomenclature, for instance the substitution of glutamic acid for glycine in position 195 is shown as G195E. A deletion of glycine in the same position is shown as G195*, and insertion of an additional amino acid residue such as lysine is shown as G195GK. Where a specific enzyme contains a “deletion” in comparison with other enzyme and an insertion is made in such a position this is indicated as *36D for insertion of an aspartic acid in position 36. Multiple mutations are separated by dash “-”, i.e.: S99G-V102N, representing mutations in positions 99 and 102 substituting serine and valine for glycine and asparagine, respectively. Where the amino acid in a position (e.g. 102) may be substituted by another amino acid selected from a group of amino acids, e.g. the group consisting of N and I, this will be indicated by V102N, I. “X” represents any amino acid.

In all cases, the accepted IUPAC single letter or triple letter amino acid abbreviation is employed.

Protease Amino Acid Numbering

The numbering used in this patent is versus the sequences shown and not the BPN′ numbering.

Amino Acid Identity

The relatedness between two amino acid sequences is described by the parameter “identity”. For purposes of the present invention, the alignment of two amino acid sequences is determined by using the Needle program from the EMBOSS package (http://emboss.org) version 2.8.0. The Needle program implements the global alignment algorithm described in Needleman, S. B. and Wunsch, C. D. (1970) J. Mol. Biol. 48, 443-453. The substitution matrix used is BLOSUM62, gap opening penalty is 10, and gap extension penalty is 0.5.

The degree of identity between an amino acid sequence of an enzyme used herein (“invention sequence”) and a different amino acid sequence (“foreign sequence”) is calculated as the number of exact matches in an alignment of the two sequences, divided by the length of the “invention sequence” or the length of the “foreign sequence”, whichever is the shortest. The result is expressed in percent identity. An exact match occurs when the “invention sequence” and the “foreign sequence” have identical amino acid residues in the same positions of the overlap. The length of a sequence is the number of amino acid residues in the sequence.

The term “succinate based compound” and “succinic acid based compound” are used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, articles such as “a” and “an” when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated.

The protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The protease comprises substitutions selected from any of the groups i) to iv).

(i) at least one, preferably at least two amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of: X198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L, X207Q, X211Q/N and X212Q in combination with at least three amino acid substitutions, preferably at least four, preferably at least five and specially six amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of: X039E, X074D, X099R, X126A, X127E and X128G; or

(ii) X039E-X074D-X099R-X116R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q; X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q; or

(iii) any of the proteases of group (i) and (ii) further comprising at least one amino acid substitution selected from X242D and X256E, preferably the amino acid substitution X256E; or

(iv) X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X256E;

using the SEQ ID NO:2 numbering.

Preferred variants from the group i) are selected from variants comprising amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   1) X198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-X211Q in combination with         substitutions selected from the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   2) X198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-X212Q in combination with         substitutions selected from     -   the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   3) X211Q/N-X212Q in combination with substitutions selected from         the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   4) X198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-X211Q-X212Q in combination with         substitutions selected from the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   5) X207Q-X211Q/N in combination with substitutions selected from         the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   6) X207Q-X212Q in combination with substitutions selected from         the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G     -   7) X207Q-X211Q/N-X212Q in combination with substitutions         selected from the group consisting of:         -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R         -   b. X039E-X074D-X126A         -   c. X039E-X074D-X127E         -   d. X039E-X074D-X128G         -   e. X074D-X099R-X126A         -   f X074D-X099R-X127E         -   g. X074D-X099R-X128G         -   h. X074D-X126A-X127E         -   i. X074D-X127E-X128G         -   j. X099R-X126A-X127E         -   k. X099R-X127E-X128G         -   l. X126A-X127E-X128G         -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A         -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X127E         -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X128G         -   p. X039E-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   q. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   r. X074D-X099R-X127E-X128G         -   s. X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   t. X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E         -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X128G         -   w. X039E-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   x. X039E-X074D-X126A-X127E-X128G         -   y. X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G; and         -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G.             Especially preferred substitutions are selected from the             group consisting of.     -   a. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198G-X211Q     -   b. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198A-X211Q     -   c. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198G-X212Q     -   d. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q-X212Q     -   e. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198A-X211Q-X212Q     -   f X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198G-X211Q-X212Q     -   g. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N     -   h. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N-X212Q     -   i. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N-X212Q-X256E     -   j. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211N-X256E     -   k. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q     -   l. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q-X212Q-X256E     -   m. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q-X256E     -   n. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198A-X211Q-X256E     -   o. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198G-X211Q-X256E     -   p. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198K-X211Q-X212Q     -   q. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198L-X211Q-X212Q     -   r. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198Q-X211Q-X212Q     -   s. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198R-X211Q-X212Q     -   t. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198T-X211Q-X212Q     -   u. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198V-X211Q-X212Q     -   v. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X212Q-X256E     -   w. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X256E     -   x. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q     -   y. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211N     -   z. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211N-X212Q     -   aa. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211N-X212Q-X256E     -   bb. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211N-X256E     -   cc. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211Q     -   dd. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211Q-X212Q     -   ee. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X211Q-X212Q-X256E     -   ff. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X212Q     -   gg. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X212Q-X256E     -   hh. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X207Q-X256E     -   ii. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198S-X211Q     -   jj. X039E-X074D-X099R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X198L-X211Q     -   kk. X039E-X074D-X099R-X116R-X126A-X127E-X128G-X211Q-X242D-X256E

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from any of the groups i) to iv):

-   -   (i) at least one preferably at least two amino acid         substitutions selected from the group consisting of:         N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L, R207Q, M211Q/N and N212Q in combination         with at least three amino acid substitutions selected from the         group consisting of: S039E, N074D, S099R, S126A, D127E and         F128G; or     -   (ii) S039E-N074D-S099R-N116R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q         S039E-N074D-S099R-N126A-S127E-F128G-M211N;         5039E-N074D-S099R-N126A-S127E-F128G-M211Q;         S039E-N074D-S099R-N126A-S127E-F128G-M207Q; or     -   (iii) any of the variants of (i) and (ii) further comprising at         least one amino acid substitution selected from N242D and Q256E;         or     -   (iv) 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-Q256E.         -   or

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

-   -   (i) at least two amino acid substitution selected from the group         consisting of: N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L, T207Q, L211Q/N and N212Q         in combination with at least three amino acid substitutions         selected from the group consisting of: P039E, N074D, S099R,         S126A, P127E and S128G; or     -   (ii) P039E-N074D-S099R-G116R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q;         P039E-N074D-S099R-G126A-P127E-S128G-L211N;         P039E-N074D-S099R-G126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q;         P039E-N074D-S099R-G126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q or     -   (iii) any of the variants of (i) and (ii) further comprising at         least one amino acid substitution selected from N242D and L256E;         or     -   (iv) P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L256E using the SEQ ID         NO:2 numbering.

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-M211Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. S039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-L211Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. S039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

M211Q/N-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. S039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

L211Q/N-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-M211Q-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. S039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

N198G/A/K/L/Q/R/T/V/S/L-L211Q-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

R207Q-M211Q/N in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. S039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

T207Q-L211Q/N in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from R207Q-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. 5039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. 5039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. 5039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. 5039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. 5039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from T207Q-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from R207Q-M211Q/N-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. S039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. S039E-N074D-D127E     -   d. S039E-N074D-F128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-D127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-F128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-D127E     -   i. N074D-D127E-F128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-D127E     -   k. S099R-D127E-F128G     -   l. S126A-D127E-F128G     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-D127E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-F128G     -   p. S039E-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-D127E-F128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   u. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E     -   v. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-F128G     -   w. 5039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   x. 5039E-N074D-S126A-D127E-F128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G; and     -   z. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from:

T207Q-L211Q/N-N212Q in combination with substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R     -   b. P039E-N074D-S126A     -   c. P039E-N074D-P127E     -   d. P039E-N074D-S128G     -   e. N074D-S099R-S126A     -   f. N074D-S099R-P127E     -   g. N074D-S099R-S128G     -   h. N074D-S126A-P127E     -   i. N074D-P127E-S128G     -   j. S099R-S126A-P127E     -   k. S099R-P127E-S128G     -   l. S126A-P127E-S128G     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-P127E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S128G     -   p. P039E-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   q. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   r. N074D-S099R-P127E-S128G     -   s. N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   t. S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-S128G     -   w. P039E-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   x. P039E-N074D-S126A-P127E-S128G     -   y. N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G; and     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G

A preferred protease according to the invention further comprises at least one amino acid substitution selected from X242D and X256E, more preferably from X256E.

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198G-M211Q     -   b. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198A-M211Q     -   c. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198G-N212Q     -   d. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q-N212Q     -   e. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198A-M211Q-N212Q     -   f. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198G-M211Q-N212Q     -   g. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211N     -   h. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211N-N212Q     -   i. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211N-N212Q-Q256E     -   j. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211N-Q256E     -   k. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q     -   l. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q-N212Q-Q256E     -   m. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q-Q256E     -   n. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198A-M211Q-Q256E     -   o. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198G-M211Q-Q256E     -   p. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198K-M211Q-N212Q     -   q. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198L-M211Q-N212Q     -   r. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198Q-M211Q-N212Q     -   s. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198R-M211Q-N212Q     -   t. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198T-M211Q-N212Q     -   u. 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198V-M211Q-N212Q     -   v. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N212Q-Q256E     -   w. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-Q256E     -   x. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q     -   y. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211N     -   z. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211N-N212Q     -   aa. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211N-N212Q-Q256E     -   bb. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211N-Q256E     -   cc. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211Q     -   dd. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211Q-N212Q     -   ee. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-M211Q-N212Q-Q256E     -   ff. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-N212Q     -   gg. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-N212Q-Q256E     -   hh. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-R207Q-Q256E     -   ii. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198S-M211Q     -   jj. S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198L-M211Q     -   kk. S039E-N074D-S099R-N116R-S126A-D127E-F128G-M211Q-N242D-Q256E

Preferably, the protease of the invention has at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and especially at least 96% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and the protease comprises amino acid substitutions selected from

-   -   a. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198G-L211Q     -   b. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198A-L211Q     -   c. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198G-N212Q     -   d. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q-N212Q     -   e. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198A-L211Q-N212Q     -   f. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198G-L211Q-N212Q     -   g. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211N     -   h. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211N-N212Q     -   i. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211N-N212Q-L256E     -   j. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211N-L256E     -   k. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q     -   l. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q-N212Q-L256E     -   m. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q-L256E     -   n. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198A-L211Q-L256E     -   o. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198G-L211Q-L256E     -   p. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198K-L211Q-N212Q     -   q. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198L-L211Q-N212Q     -   r. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198Q-L211Q-N212Q     -   s. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198R-L211Q-N212Q     -   t. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198T-L211Q-N212Q     -   u. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198V-L211Q-N212Q     -   v. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N212Q-L256E     -   w. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L256E     -   x. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q     -   y. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211N     -   z. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211N-N212Q     -   aa. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211N-N212Q-L256E     -   bb. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211N-L256E     -   cc. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211Q     -   dd. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211Q-N212Q     -   ee. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L211Q-N212Q-L256E     -   ff. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-N212Q     -   gg. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-N212Q-L256E     -   hh. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-T207Q-L256E     -   ii. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198S-L211Q     -   jj. P039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-P127E-S128G-N198L-L211Q     -   kk. P039E-N074D-S099R-G116R-S126A-P127E-S128G-L211Q-N242D-L256E

Preferred levels of the protease in the composition of the invention include from about 0.04 to about 7 mg, more preferably from about 0.05 to about 4 mg of active protease per gram of the composition.

Automatic Dishwashing Cleaning Composition

The automatic dishwashing cleaning composition can be in any physical form. It can be a loose powder, a gel or presented in unit dose form. Preferably it is in unit dose form, unit dose forms include pressed tablets and water-soluble packs. The automatic dishwashing cleaning composition of the invention is preferably presented in unit-dose form and it can be in any physical form including solid, liquid and gel form. The composition of the invention is very well suited to be presented in the form of a multi-compartment pack, more in particular a multi-compartment pack comprising compartments with compositions in different physical forms, for example a compartment comprising a composition in solid form and another compartment comprising a composition in liquid form. The composition is preferably enveloped by a water-soluble film such as polyvinyl alcohol. Especially preferred are compositions in unit dose form wrapped in a polyvinyl alcohol film having a thickness of less than 100 μm, preferably from 20 to 90 μm. The detergent composition of the invention weighs from about 8 to about 25 grams, preferably from about 10 to about 20 grams. This weight range fits comfortably in a dishwasher dispenser. Even though this range amounts to a low amount of detergent, the detergent has been formulated in a way that provides all the benefits mentioned herein above.

The composition is preferably phosphate free. By “phosphate-free” is herein understood that the composition comprises less than 1%, preferably less than 0.1% by weight of the composition of phosphate.

Complexing Agent System

For the purpose of this invention, a “complexing agent” is a compound capable of binding polyvalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, lead, copper, zinc, cadmium, mercury, manganese, iron, aluminium and other cationic polyvalent ions to form a water-soluble complex. The complexing agent has a logarithmic stability constant ([log K]) for Ca2+ of at least 3. The stability constant, log K, is measured in a solution of ionic strength of 0.1, at a temperature of 25° C.

The composition of the invention preferably comprises from 10% to 50% by weight of the composition of a complexing agent system. The complexing agent system comprises one or more complexing agents selected from the group consisting of methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), citric acid, glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), carboxy methyl inulin, L-Aspartic acid N, N-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt (ASDA) and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the complexing agent system comprises at least 10% by weight of the composition of MGDA. The complexing system may additionally comprise a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of citric acid, (GLDA), (IDS), carboxy methyl inulin, L-Aspartic acid N, N-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt (ASDA) and mixtures thereof. Preferably the complexing agent system comprises at least 10% by weight of the composition of MGDA and at least 10% by weight of the composition of citric acid. For the purpose of this invention, the term “acid”, when referring to complexing agents, includes the acid and salts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least 15%, more preferably from 20% to 40% by weight of the composition of MGDA, more preferably the tri-sodium salt of MGDA. Compositions comprising this high level of MGDA perform well in hard water and also in long and/or hot cycles.

The complexing agent system of the invention can further comprise citric acid.

Dispersant Polymer

A dispersant polymer can be used in any suitable amount from about 0.1 to about 20%, preferably from 0.2 to about 15%, more preferably from 0.3 to % by weight of the composition.

The dispersant polymer is capable to suspend calcium or calcium carbonate in an automatic dishwashing process.

The dispersant polymer has a calcium binding capacity within the range between 30 to 250 mg of Ca/g of dispersant polymer, preferably between 35 to 200 mg of Ca/g of dispersant polymer, more preferably 40 to 150 mg of Ca/g of dispersant polymer at 25° C. In order to determine if a polymer is a dispersant polymer within the meaning of the invention, the following calcium binding-capacity determination is conducted in accordance with the following instructions:

Calcium Binding Capacity Test Method

The calcium binding capacity referred to herein is determined via titration using a pH/ion meter, such as the Meettler Toledo SevenMulti™ bench top meter and a PerfectION™ comb Ca combination electrode. To measure the binding capacity a heating and stirring device suitable for beakers or tergotometer pots is set to 25° C., and the ion electrode with meter are calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The standard concentrations for the electrode calibration should bracket the test concentration and should be measured at 25° C. A stock solution of 1000 mg/g of Ca is prepared by adding 3.67 g of CaCl₂)-2H₂O into 1 L of deionised water, then dilutions are carried out to prepare three working solutions of 100 mL each, respectively comprising 100 mg/g, 10 mg/g, and 1 mg/g concentrations of Calcium. The 100 mg Ca/g working solution is used as the initial concentration during the titration, which is conducted at 25° C. The ionic strength of each working solution is adjusted by adding 2.5 g/L of NaCl to each. The 100 mL of 100 mg Ca/g working solution is heated and stirred until it reaches 25° C. The initial reading of Calcium ion concentration is conducted at when the solution reaches 25° C. using the ion electrode. Then the test polymer is added incrementally to the calcium working solution (at 0.01 g/L intervals) and measured after 5 minutes of agitation following each incremental addition. The titration is stopped when the solution reaches 1 mg/g of Calcium. The titration procedure is repeated using the remaining two calcium concentration working solutions. The binding capacity of the test polymer is calculated as the linear slope of the calcium concentrations measured against the grams/L of test polymer that was added.

The dispersant polymer preferably bears a negative net charge when dissolved in an aqueous solution with a pH greater than 6.

The dispersant polymer can bear also sulfonated carboxylic esters or amides, in order to increase the negative charge at lower pH and improve their dispersing properties in hard water. The preferred dispersant polymers are sulfonated/carboxylated polymers, i.e., polymer comprising both sulfonated and carboxylated monomers.

Preferably, the dispersant polymers are sulfonated derivatives of polycarboxylic acids and may comprise two, three, four or more different monomer units. The preferred copolymers contain:

At least one structural unit derived from a carboxylic acid monomer having the general formula (III):

wherein R₁ to R₃ are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, linear or branched saturated alkyl groups having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, linear or branched mono or polyunsaturated alkenyl groups having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl groups as aforementioned substituted with —NH2 or —OH, or —COOH, or COOR₄, where R4 is selected from hydrogen, alkali metal, or a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or alkenyl group with 2 to 12 carbons;

Preferred carboxylic acid monomers include one or more of the following: acrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, 2-phenylacrylic acid, cinnamic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, methacrylic acid, 2-ethylacrylic acid, methylenemalonic acid, or sorbic acid. Acrylic and methacrylic acids being more preferred.

Optionally, one or more structural units derived from at least one nonionic monomer having the general formula (IV):

Wherein R₅ to R₇ are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, phenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and can be part of a cyclic structure, X is an optionally present spacer group which is selected from —CH₂—, —COO—, —CONH— or —CONR₈—, and R₈ is selected from linear or branched, saturated alkyl radicals having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or unsaturated, preferably aromatic, radicals having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

Preferred non-ionic monomers include one or more of the following: butene, isobutene, pentene, 2-methylpent-1-ene, 3-methylpent-1-ene, 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene, 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene, cyclopentene, methylcyclopentene, 2-methyl-3-methyl-cyclopentene, hexene, 2,3-dimethylhex-1-ene, 2,4-dimethylhex-1-ene, 2,5-dimethylhex-1-ene, 3,5-dimethylhex-1-ene, 4,4-dimethylhex-1-ene, cyclohexene, methylcyclohexene, cycloheptene, alpha olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms such as, dec-1-ene, dodec-1-ene, hexadec-1-ene, octadec-1-ene and docos-1-ene, preferred aromatic monomers are styrene, alpha methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-bezylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-propylstyrol, 1-vinylnaphtalene, 2-vinylnaphtalene; preferred carboxylic ester monomers are methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl (meth)acrylate, pentyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, octyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate and behenyl (meth)acrylate; preferred amides are N-methyl acrylamide, N-ethyl acrylamide, N-t-butyl acrylamide, N-2-ethylhexyl acrylamide, N-octyl acrylamide, N-lauryl acrylamide, N-stearyl acrylamide, N-behenyl acrylamide.

And at least one structural unit derived from at least one sulfonic acid monomer having the general formula (V) and (VI):

wherein R₇ is a group comprising at least one sp2 bond, A is O, N, P, S, an amido or ester linkage, B is a mono- or polycyclic aromatic group or an aliphatic group, each t is independently 0 or 1, and M+ is a cation. In one aspect, R₇ is a C2 to C6 alkene. In another aspect, R₇ is ethene, butene or propene.

Preferred sulfonated monomers include one or more of the following: 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy) propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propen-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl, 3-sulfo-propylmethacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and mixtures of said acids or their water-soluble salts.

Preferably, the polymer comprises the following levels of monomers: from about 40 to about 90%, preferably from about 60 to about 90% by weight of the polymer of one or more carboxylic acid monomer; from about 5 to about 50%, preferably from about 10 to about 40% by weight of the polymer of one or more sulfonic acid monomer; and optionally from about 1% to about 30%, preferably from about 2 to about 20% by weight of the polymer of one or more non-ionic monomer. An especially preferred polymer comprises about 70% to about 80% by weight of the polymer of at least one carboxylic acid monomer and from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the polymer of at least one sulfonic acid monomer.

In the polymers, all or some of the carboxylic or sulfonic acid groups can be present in neutralized form, i.e. the acidic hydrogen atom of the carboxylic and/or sulfonic acid group in some or all acid groups can be replaced with metal ions, preferably alkali metal ions and in particular with sodium ions.

The carboxylic acid is preferably (meth)acrylic acid. The sulfonic acid monomer is preferably 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS).

Preferred commercial available polymers include: Alcosperse 240, Aquatreat AR 540 and Aquatreat MPS supplied by Alco Chemical; Acumer 3100, Acumer 2000, Acusol 587G and Acusol 588G supplied by Rohm & Haas; Goodrich K-798, K-775 and K-797 supplied by BF Goodrich; and ACP 1042 supplied by ISP technologies Inc. Particularly preferred polymers are Acusol 587G and Acusol 588G supplied by Rohm & Haas.

Suitable dispersant polymers include anionic carboxylic polymer of low molecular weight. They can be homopolymers or copolymers with a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to about 200,000 g/mol, or less than or equal to about 75,000 g/mol, or less than or equal to about 50,000 g/mol, or from about 3,000 to about 50,000 g/mol, preferably from about 5,000 to about 45,000 g/mol. The dispersant polymer may be a low molecular weight homopolymer of polyacrylate, with an average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 20,000, particularly from 2,000 to 10,000, and particularly preferably from 3,000 to 5,000.

The dispersant polymer may be a copolymer of acrylic with methacrylic acid, acrylic and/or methacrylic with maleic acid, and acrylic and/or methacrylic with fumaric acid, with a molecular weight of less than 70,000. Their molecular weight ranges from 2,000 to 80,000 and more preferably from 20,000 to 50,000 and in particular 30,000 to 40,000 g/mol. and a ratio of (meth)acrylate to maleate or fumarate segments of from 30:1 to 1:2.

The dispersant polymer may be a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate having a molecular weight of from 3,000 to 100,000, alternatively from 4,000 to 20,000, and an acrylamide content of less than 50%, alternatively less than 20%, by weight of the dispersant polymer can also be used. Alternatively, such dispersant polymer may have a molecular weight of from 4,000 to 20,000 and an acrylamide content of from 0% to 15%, by weight of the polymer.

Dispersant polymers suitable herein also include itaconic acid homopolymers and copolymers.

Alternatively, the dispersant polymer can be selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, alkoxylated polycarboxylates, polyethylene glycols, styrene copolymers, cellulose sulfate esters, carboxylated polysaccharides, amphiphilic graft copolymers and mixtures thereof.

Bleaching System

The composition of the invention preferably comprises a bleaching system comprising a high level of bleach, preferably percarbonate in combination with a bleach activator or a bleach catalyst or both. Preferably the bleach activator is TAED and the bleach catalyst is a manganese bleach catalyst.

Bleach

The composition of the invention preferably comprises from about 10 to about 20%, more preferably from about 12 to about 18% of bleach, preferably percarbonate, by weight of the composition.

Inorganic and organic bleaches are suitable for use herein. Inorganic bleaches include perhydrate salts such as perborate, percarbonate, perphosphate, persulfate and persilicate salts. The inorganic perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts. The inorganic perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection. Alternatively, the salt can be coated. Suitable coatings include sodium sulphate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof. Said coatings can be applied as a mixture applied to the surface or sequentially in layers.

Alkali metal percarbonates, particularly sodium percarbonate is the preferred bleach for use herein. The percarbonate is most preferably incorporated into the products in a coated form which provides in-product stability.

Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of utility herein.

Typical organic bleaches are organic peroxyacids, especially dodecanediperoxoic acid, tetradecanediperoxoic acid, and hexadecanediperoxoic acid. Mono- and diperazelaic acid, mono- and diperbrassylic acid are also suitable herein. Diacyl and Tetraacylperoxides, for instance dibenzoyl peroxide and dilauroyl peroxide, are other organic peroxides that can be used in the context of this invention.

Further typical organic bleaches include the peroxyacids, particular examples being the alkylperoxy acids and the arylperoxy acids. Preferred representatives are (a) peroxybenzoic acid and its ring-substituted derivatives, such as alkylperoxybenzoic acids, but also peroxy-a-naphthoic acid and magnesium monoperphthalate, (b) the aliphatic or substituted aliphatic peroxy acids, such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, E-phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid[phthaloiminoperoxyhexanoic acid (PAP)], o-carboxybenzamidoperoxycaproic acid, N-nonenylamidoperadipic acid and N-nonenylamidopersuccinates, and (c) aliphatic and araliphatic peroxydicarboxylic acids, such as 1,12-diperoxycarboxylic acid, 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxysebacic acid, diperoxybrassylic acid, the diperoxyphthalic acids, 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, N,N-terephthaloyldi(6-aminopercaproic acid).

Bleach Activators

Bleach activators are typically organic peracid precursors that enhance the bleaching action in the course of cleaning at temperatures of 60° C. and below. Bleach activators suitable for use herein include compounds which, under perhydrolysis conditions, give aliphatic peroxoycarboxylic acids having preferably from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and/or optionally substituted perbenzoic acid. Suitable substances bear O-acyl and/or N-acyl groups of the number of carbon atoms specified and/or optionally substituted benzoyl groups. Preference is given to polyacylated alkylenediamines, in particular tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), acylated triazine derivatives, in particular 1,5-diacetyl-2,4-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT), acylated glycolurils, in particular tetraacetylglycoluril (TAGU), N-acylimides, in particular N-nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI), acylated phenolsulfonates, in particular n-nonanoyl- or isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (n- or iso-NOBS), decanoyloxybenzoic acid (DOBA), carboxylic anhydrides, in particular phthalic anhydride, acylated polyhydric alcohols, in particular triacetin, ethylene glycol diacetate and 2,5-diacetoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran and also triethylacetyl citrate (TEAC). If present the composition of the invention comprises from 0.01 to 5, preferably from 0.2 to 2% by weight of the composition of bleach activator, preferably TAED.

Bleach Catalyst

The composition herein preferably contains a bleach catalyst, preferably a metal containing bleach catalyst. More preferably the metal containing bleach catalyst is a transition metal containing bleach catalyst, especially a manganese or cobalt-containing bleach catalyst.

Bleach catalysts preferred for use herein include manganese triazacyclononane and related complexes; Co, Cu, Mn and Fe bispyridylamine and related complexes; and pentamine acetate cobalt (III) and related complexes. Especially preferred bleach catalyst for use herein are 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me-TACN) and 1,2,4,7-tetramethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me/Me-TACN). Especially preferred composition for use herein comprises 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me-TACN) and/or 1,2,4,7-tetramethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me/Me-TACN).

Preferably the composition of the invention comprises from 0.001 to 0.5, more preferably from 0.002 to 0.1%, more preferably from 0.005 to 0.075% of bleach catalyst by weight of the composition. Preferably the bleach catalyst is a manganese bleach catalyst.

Inorganic Builder

The composition of the invention preferably comprises an inorganic builder. Suitable inorganic builders are selected from the group consisting of carbonate, silicate and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred for use herein is sodium carbonate. Preferably the composition of the invention comprises from 5 to 60%, more preferably from 10 to 50% and especially from 15 to 45% of sodium carbonate by weight of the composition.

Surfactant

Surfactants suitable for use herein include non-ionic surfactants, preferably the compositions are free of any other surfactants. Traditionally, non-ionic surfactants have been used in automatic dishwashing for surface modification purposes in particular for sheeting to avoid filming and spotting and to improve shine. It has been found that non-ionic surfactants can also contribute to prevent redeposition of soils.

Preferably the composition of the invention comprises a non-ionic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant system, more preferably the non-ionic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant system has a phase inversion temperature, as measured at a concentration of 1% in distilled water, between 40 and 70° C., preferably between 45 and 65° C. By a “non-ionic surfactant system” is meant herein a mixture of two or more non-ionic surfactants. Preferred for use herein are non-ionic surfactant systems. They seem to have improved cleaning and finishing properties and better stability in product than single non-ionic surfactants.

Phase inversion temperature is the temperature below which a surfactant, or a mixture thereof, partitions preferentially into the water phase as oil-swollen micelles and above which it partitions preferentially into the oil phase as water swollen inverted micelles. Phase inversion temperature can be determined visually by identifying at which temperature cloudiness occurs.

The phase inversion temperature of a non-ionic surfactant or system can be determined as follows: a solution containing 1% of the corresponding surfactant or mixture by weight of the solution in distilled water is prepared. The solution is stirred gently before phase inversion temperature analysis to ensure that the process occurs in chemical equilibrium. The phase inversion temperature is taken in a thermostable bath by immersing the solutions in 75 mm sealed glass test tube. To ensure the absence of leakage, the test tube is weighed before and after phase inversion temperature measurement. The temperature is gradually increased at a rate of less than 1° C. per minute, until the temperature reaches a few degrees below the pre-estimated phase inversion temperature. Phase inversion temperature is determined visually at the first sign of turbidity.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include: i) ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkyphenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms with preferably at least 12 moles particularly preferred at least 16 moles, and still more preferred at least 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol; ii) alcohol alkoxylated surfactants having a from 6 to 20 carbon atoms and at least one ethoxy and propoxy group. Preferred for use herein are mixtures of surfactants i) and ii).

Other suitable non-ionic surfactants are epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols represented by the formula: R1O[CH2CH(CH3)O]x[CH2CH2O]y[CH2CH(OH)R2]  (I)

wherein R1 is a linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 26 carbon atoms; x is an integer having an average value of from 0.5 to 1.5, more preferably about 1; and y is an integer having a value of at least 15, more preferably at least 20.

Preferably, the surfactant of formula I, at least about 10 carbon atoms in the terminal epoxide unit [CH2CH(OH)R2]. Suitable surfactants of formula I, according to the present invention, are Olin Corporation's POLY-TERGENT® SLF-18B nonionic surfactants, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published Oct. 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation.

Enzymes

Other Proteases

The composition of the invention can comprise a protease in addition to the protease of the invention. A mixture of two or more proteases can contribute to an enhanced cleaning across a broader temperature, cycle duration, and/or substrate range, and provide superior shine benefits, especially when used in conjunction with an anti-redeposition agent and/or a sulfonated polymer.

Suitable proteases for use in combination with the variant proteases of the invention include metalloproteases and serine proteases, including neutral or alkaline microbial serine proteases, such as subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62). Suitable proteases include those of animal, vegetable or microbial origin. In one aspect, such suitable protease may be of microbial origin. The suitable proteases include chemically or genetically modified mutants of the aforementioned suitable proteases. In one aspect, the suitable protease may be a serine protease, such as an alkaline microbial protease or/and a trypsin-type protease. Examples of suitable neutral or alkaline proteases include:

(a) subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62), especially those derived from Bacillus, such as Bacillus sp., B. lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. pumilus, B. gibsonii, and B. akibaii described in WO2004067737, WO2015091989, WO2015091990, WO2015024739, WO2015143360, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,936 B1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,679,630, 4,760,025, DE102006022216A1, DE102006022224A1, WO2015089447, WO2015089441, WO2016066756, WO2016066757, WO2016069557, WO2016069563, WO2016069569.

(b) trypsin-type or chymotrypsin-type proteases, such as trypsin (e.g., of porcine or bovine origin), including the Fusarium protease described in WO 89/06270 and the chymotrypsin proteases derived from Cellumonas described in WO 05/052161 and WO 05/052146.

(c) metalloproteases, especially those derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens described in WO07/044993A2; from Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Thermoactinomyces, Geobacillus, Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus or Streptomyces spp. Described in WO2014194032, WO2014194054 and WO2014194117; from Kribella alluminosa described in WO2015193488; and from Streptomyces and Lysobacter described in WO2016075078.

(d) protease having at least 90% identity to the subtilase from Bacillus sp. TY145, NCIMB 40339, described in WO92/17577 (Novozymes A/S), including the variants of this Bacillus sp TY145 subtilase described in WO2015024739, and WO2016066757.

Especially preferred additional proteases for the composition of the invention are variants of a parent protease wherein the parent protease demonstrates at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98%, even more preferably at least 99% and especially 100% identity with SEQ ID NO:2, and the variant comprises substitutions in one or more, or two or more or three or more of the following positions versus SEQ ID NO:2:

S3V, S9R, A13V, A15T, G20*, L21F, 135V, N60D, V66A, N74D, S85N/R, S97SE, S97AD, S97D/G, S99G/M/D/E, S101A, V102E/I, G116V/R, S126F/L, P127Q, S128A, S154D, G157S, Y161A, R164S, A188P, V1991, Q200C/E/I/K/T/V/W/L, Y203W, N212D, M216S/F, A222V, Q239R/F, T249R, N255D and L256E/N/Q/D

Preferred proteases include those with at least 90%, preferably at least 95% identity to SEQ ID

NO:2 comprising the following mutations:

S9R+A13V+A15T+135V+N60D+Q239F; or

S9R+A15T+G20*+L21F+N60D+Q239N; or

S9R+A15T+V66A+S97G+A222V+Q239R+N255D; or

S9R+A15T+V66A+N74D+Q239R; or

S9R+A15T+V66A+N212D+Q239R; or

S99SE; or

S99AD; or

N74D+S85R+G116R+S126L+P127Q+S128A; or

N74D+S85R+G116R+S126L+P127Q+S128A+S182D+V238R; or

G116V+S126L+P127Q+S128A; or

S99M+G116V+S126L+P127Q+S128A.

Suitable commercially available additional protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Savinase®, Primase®, Durazym®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase Ultra®, Savinase Ultra®, Savinase Evity, Progress Uno®, Ovozyme®, Neutrase®, Everlase®, Coronase®, the Blaze® series (including Blaze®, Blaze Ultra®, Blaze Evity®, Blaze Pro) and Esperase® by Novozymes A/S (Denmark); those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxacal®, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, Excellase®, Ultimase®, Extremase® and Purafect OXP® by Dupont; those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase® by Solvay Enzymes; and those available from Henkel/Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence shown in FIG. 29 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,604 with the following mutations S99D+S101 R+S103A+V1041+G159S, hereinafter referred to as BLAP), BLAP R (BLAP with S3T+V41+V199M+V2051+L217D), BLAP X (BLAP with S3T+V41+V2051) and BLAP F49 (BLAP with S3T+V41+A194P+V199M+V2051+L217D); and KAP (Bacillus alkalophilus subtilisin with mutations A230V+S256G+S259N) from Kao.

Especially preferred for use herein in combination with the variant protease of the invention are commercial proteases selected from the group consisting of Blaze®, Ultimase®, Everlase, Savinase®, Savinase Evity®, Savinase Ultra®, Excellase®, Ovozyme®, Coronase®, Blaze Ultra®, Blaze Evity® and Blaze Pro®.

Preferred levels of protease in the product of the invention include from about 0.05 to about 10, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 7 and especially from about 1 to about 6 mg of active protease/g of composition.

Amylases

Preferably the composition of the invention may comprise an amylase. Suitable alpha-amylases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants (variants) are included. A preferred alkaline alpha-amylase is derived from a strain of Bacillus, such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, or other Bacillus sp., such as Bacillus sp. NCBI 12289, NCBI 12512, NCBI 12513, DSM 9375 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,818) DSM 12368, DSMZ no. 12649, KSM AP1378 (WO 97/00324), KSM K36 or KSM K38 (EP 1,022,334). Preferred amylases include:

A variant a-amylase wherein the variant a-amylase comprises amino acid substitution(s) selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   i) a mutation at position 91 and/or a mutation at an amino acid         residue at the base of the a-amylase TIM barrel structure,         defined as residues 6, 7, 40, 96, 98, 100, 229, 230, 231, 262,         263, 285, 286, 287, 288, 322, 323, 324, 325, 362, 363 and 364;     -   ii) a mutation at position 172 and a mutation in position 288 or         324; and     -   iii) Y364L         -   referring to SEQ ID NO: 3 for numbering.             Other Preferred Amylases Include:

(a) variants described in WO 96/23873, WO00/60060, WO06/002643 and WO2017/192657, especially the variants with one or more substitutions in the following positions versus the AA560 enzyme listed as SEQ ID NO. 12 in WO06/002643:

26, 30, 33, 82, 37, 106, 118, 128, 133, 149, 150, 160, 178, 182, 186, 193, 202, 214, 231, 246, 256, 257, 258, 269, 270, 272, 283, 295, 296, 298, 299, 303, 304, 305, 311, 314, 315, 318, 319, 339, 345, 361, 378, 383, 419, 421, 437, 441, 444, 445, 446, 447, 450, 461, 471, 482, 484, preferably that also contain the deletions of D183* and G184*.

(b) variants exhibiting at least 90% identity with SEQ ID No. 4 in WO06/002643, the wild-type enzyme from Bacillus SP722, especially variants with deletions in the 183 and 184 positions and variants described in WO2000/60060, WO2011/100410 and WO2013/003659 which are incorporated herein by reference.

(c) variants exhibiting at least 95% identity with the wild-type enzyme from Bacillus sp. 707 (SEQ ID NO:7 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,562), especially those comprising one or more of the following mutations M202, M208, S255, R172, and/or M261. Preferably said amylase comprises one or more of M202L, M202V, M202S, M202T, M202I, M202Q, M202W, S255N and/or R172Q. Particularly preferred are those comprising the M202L or M202T mutations.

(d) variants described in WO 09/149130, preferably those exhibiting at least 90% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:2 in WO 09/149130, the wild-type enzyme from Geobacillus Stearophermophilus or a truncated version thereof.

(e) variants exhibiting at least 89% identity with SEQ ID NO:1 in WO2016091688, especially those comprising deletions at positions H183+G184 and additionally one or more mutations at positions 405, 421, 422 and/or 428.

(f) variants exhibiting at least 60% amino acid sequence identity with the “PcuAmyl α-amylase” from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus YK9 (SEQ ID NO:3 in WO2014099523).

(g) variants exhibiting at least 60% amino acid sequence identity with the “CspAmy2 amylase” from Cytophaga sp. (SEQ ID NO:1 in WO2014164777).

(h) variants exhibiting at least 85% identity with AmyE from Bacillus subtilis (SEQ ID NO:1 in WO2009149271).

(i) variants exhibiting at least 90% identity with the wild-type amylase from Bacillus sp. KSM-K38 with accession number AB051102.

(j) variants exhibiting at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 98% identity with the mature amino acid sequence of AAI10 from Bacillus sp (SEQ ID NO:7 in WO2016180748)

(k) variants exhibiting at least 80% identity with the mature amino acid sequence of Alicyclobacillus sp. amylase (SEQ ID NO:8 in WO2016180748)

Preferably the amylase is an engineered enzyme, wherein one or more of the amino acids prone to bleach oxidation have been substituted by an amino acid less prone to oxidation. In particular it is preferred that methionine residues are substituted with any other amino acid. In particular it is preferred that the methionine most prone to oxidation is substituted. Preferably the methionine in a position equivalent to 202 in the AA560 enzyme listed as SEQ ID NO. 12 in WO06/002643 is substituted. Preferably, the methionine at this position is substituted with threonine or leucine, preferably leucine.

Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL®, ATLANTIC®, INTENSA® and BAN® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), KEMZYM® AT 9000 Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-1200 Wien Austria, RAPIDASE®, PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE®, PREFERENZ S® series (including PREFERENZ S1000® and PREFERENZ S2000® and PURASTAR OXAM® (DuPont., Palo Alto, Calif.) and KAM® (Kao, 14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, 1-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-8210, Japan). In one aspect, suitable amylases include ATLANTIC®, STAINZYME®, POWERASE®, INTENSA® and STAINZYME PLUS® and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the composition of the invention comprises at least 0.01 mg, preferably from about 0.05 to about 10, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 6, especially from about 0.2 to about 5 mg of active amylase/g of composition.

Preferably, the protease and/or amylase of the composition of the invention are in the form of granulates, the granulates comprise more than 29% of sodium sulfate by weight of the granulate and/or the sodium sulfate and the active enzyme (protease and/or amylase) are in a weight ratio of between 3:1 and 100:1 or preferably between 4:1 and 30:1 or more preferably between 5:1 and 20:1.

Crystal Growth Inhibitor

Crystal growth inhibitors are materials that can bind to calcium carbonate crystals and prevent further growth of species such as aragonite and calcite.

Examples of effective crystal growth inhibitors include phosphonates, polyphosphonates, inulin derivatives, polyitaconic acid homopolymers and cyclic polycarboxylates.

Suitable crystal growth inhibitors may be selected from the group comprising HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid), carboxymethylinulin (CMI), tricarballylic acid and cyclic carboxylates. For the purposes of this invention the term carboxylate covers both the anionic form and the protonated carboxylic acid form.

Cyclic carboxylates contain at least two, preferably three or preferably at least four carboxylate groups and the cyclic structure is based on either a mono- or bi-cyclic alkane or a heterocycle. Suitable cyclic structures include cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclohexane or cyclopentane or cycloheptane, bicyclo-heptane or bicyclo-octane and/or tetrhaydrofuran. One preferred crystal growth inhibitor is cyclopentane tetracarboxylate.

Cyclic carboxylates having at least 75%, preferably 100% of the carboxylate groups on the same side, or in the “cis” position of the 3D-structure of the cycle are preferred for use herein.

It is preferred that the two carboxylate groups, which are on the same side of the cycle are in directly neighbouring or “ortho” positions.

Preferred crystal growth inhibitors include HEDP, tricarballylic acid, tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic acid (THFTCA) and cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid (CPTCA). The THFTCA is preferably in the 2c,3t,4t,5c-configuration, and the CPTCA in the cis,cis,cis,cis-configuration. Especially preferred crystal growth inhibitor for use herein is HEDP.

Also, preferred for use herein are partially decarboxylated polyitaconic acid homopolymers, preferably having a level of decarboxylation is in the range of 50 mole % to 90 mole %. Especially preferred polymer for use herein is Itaconix TSI® provided by Itaconix.

The crystal growth inhibitors are present preferably in a quantity from about 0.01 to about 10%, particularly from about 0.02 to about 5% and in particular, from 0.05 to 3% by weight of the composition.

Metal Care Agents

Metal care agents may prevent or reduce the tarnishing, corrosion or oxidation of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals, such as silver and copper. Preferably the composition of the invention comprises from 0.1 to 5%, more preferably from 0.2 to 4% and especially from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the product of a metal care agent, preferably the metal care agent is benzo triazole (BTA).

Glass Care Agents

Glass care agents protect the appearance of glass items during the dishwashing process. Preferably the composition of the invention comprises from 0.1 to 5%, more preferably from 0.2 to 4% and specially from 0.3 to 3% by weight of the composition of a metal care agent, preferably the glass care agent is a zinc containing material, specially hydrozincite. Other suitable glass care agents are polyethyleneimine (PEI). A particularly preferred PEI is Lupasol® FG, supplied by BASF.

The automatic dishwashing composition of the invention preferably has a pH as measured in 1% weight/volume aqueous solution in distilled water at 20° C. of from about 9 to about 12, more preferably from about 10 to less than about 11.5 and especially from about 10.5 to about 11.5.

The automatic dishwashing composition of the invention preferably has a reserve alkalinity of from about 10 to about 20, more preferably from about 12 to about 18 at a pH of 9.5 as measured in NaOH with 100 grams of product at 20° C.

A preferred automatic dishwashing composition of the invention comprises:

-   -   i) from 10 to 20% by weight of the composition of bleach,         preferably sodium percarbonate;     -   ii) TAED;     -   iii) optionally but preferably from 5 to 50% by weight of the         composition of an inorganic builder, preferably sodium         carbonate;     -   iv) optionally but preferably from 2 to 10% by weight of the         composition of a non-ionic surfactant;     -   v) other optional ingredients include: a crystal growth         inhibitor, preferably HEDP, and glass care agents.

A preferred automatic dishwashing composition of the invention comprises:

-   -   i) from 10 to 20% by weight of the composition of bleach,         preferably sodium percarbonate;     -   ii) a manganese bleach catalyst, preferably a bleach catalyst         selected from the group consisting of         1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me-TACN) and         1,2,4,7-tetramethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me/Me-TACN), and         optionally TAED;     -   iii) optionally but preferably from 5 to 50% by weight of the         composition of sodium carbonate;     -   iv) optionally but preferably from 1 to 10% by weight of sodium         silicate;     -   v) optionally but preferably from 2 to 10% by weight of the         composition of a non-ionic surfactant;     -   vi) optionally but preferably a glass care agent.         The protease of the composition of the invention can also be         used in laundry detergents.

EXAMPLES Example 1

The activity, egg yolk removal and crème brulee removal for protease variants of the invention were assessed vs the parent protease BG46+S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G (described in EP 3 502 244 A1, Table 2 page 22, line 40).

Protease Activity

The protease activity of BG46 subtilisin variants thereof was tested by measuring the hydrolysis of AAPF-pNA synthetic peptidic substrate.

For the AAPF assay, the reagent solutions used were: 100 mM Tris pH 8.6, 10 mM CalCl₂, 0.005% Tween®-80 (Tris/Ca buffer) and 160 mM suc-AAPF-pNA in DMSO (suc-AAPF-pNA stock solution) (Sigma: S-7388). To prepare a working solution, 1 mL suc-AAPF-pNA stock solution was added to 100 mL Tris/Ca buffer and mixed. An enzyme sample was added to a microtiter plate (MTP) containing 1 mg/mL suc-AAPF-pNA working solution and assayed for activity at 405 nm over 3-5 min using a SpectraMax plate reader in kinetic mode at RT. The protease activity was expressed as mOD/min.

Stability Assay in Tris-EDTA

The stability of the BG46 subtilisin variants described herein was measured by diluting the variants in stress buffer and measuring the proteolytic activity of the variants before and after a heat incubation step using the AAPF assay described above. The temperature and duration of the heat incubation step were chosen such that the reference protease showed ˜15-30% residual activity. Samples were incubated at 57° C. for 5 min in a 384-well thermocycler. Stability was measured in Tris-EDTA (50 mM Tris pH 9; 5 mM EDTA; 0.005% Tween 80) buffered condition. Stability PIs were obtained by dividing the residual activity of subtilisin variant by that of the parent protease BG46+S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G.

Automatic Dishwashing Cleaning Assays

Crème Brûlée stain: The cleaning performance of BG46 subtilisin variants on crème brûlée stain was tested by using custom ordered melamine dishwasher monitors (tiles) prepared by CFT in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands as set forth herein, and labelled DM10c. The DM10c tiles used in this study are prepared using the same stain used to prepare the commercially available DM10 monitors (crème brûlée Debic.com product) but baked at 140° C. for 2 hours, instead of 150° C.

The DM10c melamine tiles were used as a lid and tightly pressed onto a microtiter plate (MTP). 3 g/L of ADW detergent solution adjusted to 374 ppm water hardness and each enzyme sample were added to the MTP prior to attaching the melamine tile lid to the MTP. The volume capacity of the MTP, and therefore the volume of solution added thereto, may vary, wherein a minimal volume of solution that enables contact between solution and stain surface should be added to the MTP. In this example, a volume of 300 μL of detergent containing enzyme was added to each well of an aluminium 96-well MTP. The MTPs were incubated in an Infors thermal shaker for 45 min at 40° C., unless otherwise specified, at 250 rpm. After incubation, the tiles were removed from the MTP, briefly rinsed with tap water, and air-dried.

Stain removal was quantified by photographing the plates and measuring the RGB values from each stain area using custom software. Percent Soil removal (% SRI) values of the washed tiles were calculated by using the RGB values in the following formula: % SRI=(ΔE/ΔE _(initial))*100

-   -   Where         ΔE=SQR((R_(after)−R_(before))²+(G_(after)−G_(before))²+(B_(after)−B_(before))²)     -   Where         ΔE_(initial)=SQR((R_(white)−R_(before))²+(G_(white)−G_(before))²+(B_(white)−B_(before))²)

Cleaning performance was obtained by subtracting the value of a blank control (no enzyme) from each sample value (hereinafter “blank subtracted cleaning”). For each condition and BG46 subtilisin variant, a performance index (PI) was calculated by dividing the blank subtracted cleaning by that of the parent protease at the same concentration. The value for the parent protease PI was determined from a standard curve of the parent protease which was included in the test and which was fitted to a Langmuir fit or Hill Sigmoidal fit.

Egg yolk stain: The cleaning performance of BG46 subtilisin variants on egg yolk microswatches (PAS-38, Center for Testmaterials BV, Vlaardingen, Netherlands) was measured on pre-rinsed or unrinsed swatches. To prepare rinsed PAS38 swatches, 180 μl 10 mM CAPS buffer of pH 11 was added to MTPs containing PAS38 microswatches. The plates were sealed and incubated in an iEMS incubator for 30 min at 60° C. and 1100 rpm shaking. After this incubation, the buffer was removed and the swatches were rinsed with deionized water to remove any residual buffer. The plates were then air dried prior to use in the performance assay. The microswatch plates were filled with 3 g/l ADW detergent solution in 374 ppm water hardness prior to enzyme addition with a final enzyme concentration between 0.05 and 10 ppm.

Following incubation of PAS-38 swatches with detergents and enzymes for 30 minutes at 40° C., an aliquot was transferred to an empty MTP and the absorbance was read at 405 nm using a SpectraMax plate reader. Absorbance results were obtained by subtracting the value for a blank control (no enzyme) from each sample value (hereinafter “blank subtracted absorbance”). For each condition and BG46 subtilisin variant, a performance index (PI) was calculated by dividing the blank subtracted absorbance by that of the BG46+S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G parent protease at the same concentration.

Automatic Dishwashing Cleaning Compositions

Various cleaning compositions were used as listed below. Automatic dishwashing (ADW) cleaning assays were performed using the following compositions at the final concentrations shown in brackets: GSM-B detergent (3 g/L) (GSM-B Phosphate-free ADW detergent purchased without enzymes from WFK Testgewebe GmbH, Brüggen, Deutschland, composition shown on Table 1) and MGDA detergent (3 g/L) (composition shown on Table 2).

TABLE 1 GSM-B pH 10.5 Phosphate-Free ADW Cleaning Compositions Ingredients Component Weight % Sodium citrate dehydrate 30.0 Maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer sodium salt 12.0 (SOKALAN ® CP5; BASF) Sodium perborate monohydrate 5.0 TAED 2.0 Sodium disilicate: Protil A (Cognis) 25.0 Linear fatty alcohol ethoxylate 2.0 Sodium carbonate anhydrous add to 100

TABLE 2 MGDA ADW Cleaning Composition Ingredients Component Weight % MGDA 64.6 Plurafac SLF 18-45D 4.4 Bismuthcitrate 0.4 Phosphonates (Bayhibit S) 0.4 Acusol 420/Acosul 587 1.6 PEG6000 2.4 PEG1500 5.9 Sodium percarbonate 16.1 TAED 4.1

TABLE 3 ADW cleaning performance and stability (reported as performance indices (PI) values) for additional subtilisin variants of BG46 protease SEQ ID NO: 1 as compared to BG46 + S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G Mutations compared to BG46 + Stability, PAS-38 GSM PAS-38 GSMB DM10c S039E-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G TRIS-EDTA, PI rinsed, PI unrinsed, PI GSMB, PI None 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 N074D-M211N 3.6 1.1 1.5 1.9 N074D-M211N-N212Q 3.5 1.3 1.3 1.6 N074D-M211N-N212Q-Q256E 3.1 1.0 1.2 3.0 N074D-M211N-Q256E 3.7 1.1 1.2 2.0 N074D-M211Q 3.5 1.1 1.2 1.9 N074D-M211Q-N212Q 3.9 1.1 1.4 2.5 N074D-M211Q-N212Q-Q256E 4.4 1.0 1.1 1.8 N074D-M211Q-Q256E 4.0 1.0 1.2 1.8 N074D-N198A-M211Q 4.0 1.2 1.4 2.0 N074D-N198A-M211Q-N212Q 3.7 1.1 1.3 2.4 N074D-N198A-M211Q-Q256E 4.1 1.0 1.2 2.0 N074D-N198G-M211Q 4.0 1.1 1.4 2.1 N074D-N198G-M211Q-N212Q 3.7 1.2 1.4 2.3 N074D-N198G-M211Q-Q256E 3.9 1.1 1.2 2.1 N074D-N198K-M211Q-N212Q 3.5 1.2 1.5 <0.9 N074D-N198L-M211Q-N212Q 3.8 1.2 1.4 2.1 N074D-N198Q-M211Q-N212Q 3.7 1.2 1.5 1.8 N074D-N198R-M211Q-N212Q 3.2 1.2 1.4 0.9 N074D-N198T-M211Q-N212Q 2.8 1.3 1.3 2.3 N074D-N198V-M211Q-N212Q 2.3 1.1 1.3 1.9 N074D-N212Q-Q256E 4.1 1.0 1.0 1.9 N074D-Q256E 4.4 1.0 1.1 1.7 N074D-R207Q 3.3 0.9 1.1 1.7 N074D-R207Q-M211N 3.4 1.0 1.4 2.7 N074D-R207Q-M211N-N212Q 3.6 1.1 1.4 3.2 N074D-R207Q-M211N-N212Q-Q256E 4.2 0.9 1.1 1.6 N074D-R207Q-M211N-Q256E 4.0 1.0 1.2 1.8 N074D-R207Q-M211Q 3.6 1.1 1.2 2.7 N074D-R207Q-M211Q-N212Q 3.4 1.0 1.2 1.7 N074D-R207Q-M211Q-N212Q-Q256E 4.2 0.9 1.1 1.6 N074D-R207Q-N212Q 3.3 1.0 1.0 1.4 N074D-R207Q-N212Q-Q256E 4.5 0.9 1.0 1.7 N074D-R207Q-Q256E 4.3 0.9 1.1 1.7 N074D-N198S-M211Q 4.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 N074D-N198L-M211Q 4.0 1.2 1.5 1.3

Example 2

Protease Cleaning Performance in an Automatic Dish Washing

TABLE 1 Automatic Dish Washing (ADW) Compositions The following ADW composition contains no enzymes. Ingredients - (weight grams) ADW Cleaning Composition HEDP 0.14 Sodium carbonate 3.9 MGDA 6.49 Sulfonic acid group-containing polymer 0.42 Percarbonate 2.75 Bleach catalyst 0.21 Lutensol TO7 0.90 Plurafac ® SLF 180 0.75 Dipropylene Glycol 0.40 Amylase Enzyme 0.006 Minors balance Total % of full dose 100 Percarbonate Sulfonic acid group-containing polymer Bleach catalyst Sodium Percarbonate Acusol 588 MnTACN (Manganese 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane)

TABLE 2 Protease enzyme additions Composition A ADW cleaning composition + 32 mg active Reference Protease Composition B ADW cleaning composition + 32 mg active Protease A of this invention Composition C ADW cleaning composition + 32 mg active Protease B of this invention

Reference Protease is outside the scope of this invention. It is a variant of the wild type B. gibsonii BG46 protease SEQ ID NO:1 with the following mutations A37T-S39E-I43V-A47V-P54T-T56Y-I80V-N85S-E87D-S99R-T114Q-S126A-D127E-F128G-N242D, as described in EP3502244B1, Table 2, page 21, lines 44 to 44.

Protease A is a variant of this invention. It is a variant of the wild type B. gibsonii BG46 protease SEQ ID NO:1 with the following mutations 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198A-M211Q-N212Q

Protease B is a variant of this invention. It is a variant of the wild type B. gibsonii BG46 protease SEQ ID NO:1 with the following mutations 5039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198G-M211Q

Cleaning Performance Method: Mixed Protease Cleaning Using a Miele Model GSL2

The automatic dishwashing (ADW) cleaning performance of the ADW cleaning composition as described in Table 1 was evaluated on mixed protease tiles (DM22, DM23) supplied by Center For Testmaterials (CFT) BV. Stoomloggerweg 11, 3133 KT Vlaardingen, the Netherlands. One dose of detergent composition 16.21 g (combined solid and liquid components) and enzyme additions described in Table 2 were added to each automatic dishwasher at the opening of the dispenser drawer of each cycle.

The mixed protease CFT tiles were washed at 45° C. (8 min holding time, 55° C. rinse), 21 gpg water hardness in a Miele automatic dishwasher; model GSL2 ballast soil was added as a mixed soil composition to each treatment as described in Table 3.

The CFT Tiles were added to the machine (two replicates of each tile, i.e. two internal replicates per treatment) before closing the machine door. The machine was then started, as the dispenser drawer opened, the detergent composition including the enzyme additions were dosed to each machine along with a 50 g mixed soil pot. This was repeated a further three times to result in four external replicates and two internal replicates per treatment.

TABLE 3 Ballast soil - mixed soil composition Ingredients Raw Material % Composition Fat Components Vegetable Oil 31.6 Margarine 6.3 Lard 6.3 Deep Frying Fat 6.3 Protein Whole Egg 15.8 Cream (32% fat) 9.4 Whole Milk Pasteurized (3.5% fat) 6.3 Powdered Solid Potato Starch 2.2 Gravy 1.7 Wheat flour 0.6 Quark powder 0.6 Benzoic acid >99.9% active 0.3 Other Tomato Ketchup 3.6 Mustard 6.3 Total 100 Soil Preparation following IKW Standardized protocol: 1. Combine the vegetable oil and whole egg and mix thoroughly for 30 minutes. 2. Add the ketchup and mustard, continue to stir vigorously. 3. Melt the fats, allow to cool to 40° C., then add to the mixture and blend in well. 4. Stir in the cream and milk. 5. Add the powdered solid constituents and mix everything to a smooth paste. 6. Finally, put 50 g of the soil mix into separate plastic beakers. Freeze the beakers of soil until required for use.

The cleaning performance data of each exemplified ADW composition on mixed protease tiles provided herein is the average of eight replicates generated from the inclusion of four external and two internal replicates for each treatment. The cleaning performance of Composition A (containing a Reference Protease) was taken as reference and compared to Composition B (Protease A of this invention) and Composition C (Protease B of this invention). The stains were analysed using image analysis, with results presented below calculated as percentage stain removal whereby: 0=no removal, 100=complete removal. I.e. Stain Removal Index (SRI).

-   -   The results shown in Table 4 below are expressed as stain         removal indices.

TABLE 4 Cleaning performance of Composition A vs Compositions B and C on mixed protease stains Cleaning performance Composi- Composi- Composi- (SRI) tion A tion B tion C DM22 Double Egg Yolk 15.9 *22.3 *22.8 DM23 1.5X Egg Yolk 29.9 *41.6 *41.1 *Statistical evaluation of the data shows a significant difference at 95% confidence between Composition A and Composition B and C

Protease cleaning is a measure of the ADW cleaning after washing. As can be seen from the results in Table 4 above, the protein cleaning is significantly improved for both Compositions B comprising protease A of this invention and C comprising Protease B of this invention compared to Compositions A comprising a Reference Protease.

Example 3

Protease Cleaning Performance in an Automatic Dish Washing

TABLE 1 Automatic Dish Washing (ADW) Compositions The following ADW composition contains no enzymes. Ingredients - (weight grams) ADW Cleaning Composition Bleach Activator 0.22 SKS-6 Sodium Disilicate (Na2Si2O5) 0.8 HEDP 0.93 Sodium carbonate 1.5 MGDA 7.01 Sulfonic acid group-containing polymer 0.80 Percarbonate 3.50 Bleach catalyst 0.256 Lutensol TO7 0.90 Plurafac ® SLF 180 0.75 Dipropylene Glycol 0.40 Minors balance Total % of full dose 100 Percarbonate Sulfonic acid group-containing polymer Bleach catalyst Bleach Activator Sodium Percarbonate Acusol 588 MnTACN (Manganese 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane) (TAED) Tetraacetylethylenediamine

TABLE 2 Protease and amylase enzyme additions Composition A ADW composition + 43 mg active Blaze 100T ™ (protease enzyme) + 8 mg active Stainzyme ® Plus 12 GT (amylase enzyme) Composition B ADW composition + 43 mg active Excellase ™ (protease enzyme) + 8 mg active Stainzyme ® Plus 12 GT (amylase enzyme) Composition C ADW composition + 43 mg active Protease A of this invention + 8 mg active Stainzyme ® Plus 12 GT (amylase enzyme) Composition D ADW composition + 43 mg active Protease B of this invention + 8 mg active Stainzyme ® Plus 12 GT (amylase enzyme) Excellase ™ supplied by DuPont Blaze ® supplied by Novozymes Stainzyme ® Plus supplied by Novozymes Protease A is a variant of this invention. It is a variant of the wild type B. gibsonii BG46 protease SEQ ID NO: 1 with the following mutations: S039E - N074D - S099R - S126A - D127E - F128G - N198A - M211Q - N212Q Protease B is a variant of this invention. It is a variant of the wild type B. gibsonii BG46 protease SEQ ID NO: 1 with the following mutations: S039E - N074D - S099R - S126A - D127E - F128G - N198G - M211Q Cleaning Performance Method: Mixed Protease Cleaning Using a Miele Model GSL2

The automatic dishwashing (ADW) cleaning performance of ADW detergent composition as described in table 1 was evaluated on mixed protease tiles (DM22, DM32, DM33, DM93) supplied by Center For Testmaterials (CFT) BV. Stoomloggerweg 11, 3133 KT Vlaardingen, the Netherlands. One dose of detergent composition 17.32 g (combined solid and liquid components) and enzyme additions described in table 2 were added to each automatic dishwasher at the opening of the dispenser drawer of each cycle.

-   -   The mixed protease CFT tiles were washed at 45° C. (8 min         holding time, 55° C. rinse), 21 gpg water hardness in a Miele         automatic dishwasher; model GSL2 ballast soil was added as a         mixed soil composition to each treatment as described in Table         3.         The CFT Tiles were added to the machine (two replicates of each         tile, i.e. two internal replicates per treatment) before closing         the machine door. The machine was then started, as the dispenser         drawer opened, the detergent composition including the enzyme         additions were dosed to each machine along with a 50 g mixed         soil pot. This was repeated a further three times to result in         four external replicates and two internal replicates per         treatment.

TABLE 3 Ballast soil - mixed soil composition Ingredients Raw Material % Composition Fat Components Vegetable Oil 31.6 Margarine 6.3 Lard 6.3 Deep Fix ing Fat 6.3 Protein Whole Egg 15.8 Cream (32% fat) 9.4 Whole Milk Pasteurized (3.5% fat) 6.3 Powdered Solid Potato Starch 2.2 Gravy 1.7 Wheat flour 0.6 Quark powder 0.6 Benzoic acid >99.9% active 0.3 Other Tomato Ketchup 3.6 Mustard 6.3 Total 100 Soil Preparation following IKW Standardized protocol: 1. Combine the vegetable oil and whole egg and mix thoroughly for 30 minutes. 2. Add the ketchup and mustard, continue to stir vigorously. 3. Meir the fats, allow to cool to 40° C., then add to the mixture and blend in well. 4. Stir in the cream and milk. 5. Add the powdered solid constituents and mix everything to a smooth paste. 6. Finally, put 50 g of the soil mix into separate plastic beakers. Freeze the beakers of soil until required for use.

The cleaning performance data of each exemplified ADW composition on mixed protease tiles provided herein is the average of eight replicates generated from the inclusion of four external and two internal replicates for each treatment. The cleaning performance of Composition A (containing Blaze™ and Stainzyme® Plus) was taken as reference 1 and Composition B (containing Excellase™ and Stainzyme® Plus) as reference 2 and compared to Composition C (Protease A of this invention+Stainzyme® Plus) and Composition D (protease B of this invention+Stainzyme® Plus). The stains were analysed using image analysis, with results presented below calculated as percentage stain removal whereby: 0=no removal, 100=complete removal. I.e. Stain Removal Index (SRI).

The results shown in Table 4 below are expressed as stain removal indices.

TABLE 4 Cleaning performance of Composition A vs Compositions C and D on mixed protease stains Cleaning performance Composi- Composi- Composi- (SRI) tion A tion C tion D DM22 Double Egg Yolk 16.6 *26.3 *27.8 DM32 Double Egg Yolk and Milk 33.6 *59.4 *59.4 DM33 1.5X Egg Yolk and Milk 52.6 *97.7 *97.9 DM93 Double Minced Meat 48.4 *56.5 *57.5 *Statistical evaluation of the data shows a significant difference at 95% confidence between Composition A and Compositions C and D

TABLE 5 Cleaning performance of Composition B vs Compositions C and D on mixed protease stains Cleaning performance Composi- Composi- Composi- (SRI) tion B tion C tion D DM22 Double Egg Yolk 14.7 *26.3 *27.8 DM32 Double Egg Yolk and Milk 32.0 *59.4 *59.4 DM33 1.5X Egg Yolk and Milk 48.4 *97.7 *97.9 DM93 Double Minced Meat 46.8 *56.5 *57.5 *Statistical evaluation of the data shows a significant difference at 95% confidence between Composition B and Compositions C and D

Protease cleaning is a measure of the ADW cleaning after washing. As can be seen from the results Tables 4 and 5 above, the protein cleaning is significantly improved for both Compositions C comprising Protease A of this invention and Composition D comprising Protease B of this invention compared to Compositions A comprising Blaze® protease and Composition B comprising Excellase™ protease. Both compositions comprising Excellase™ and Blaze® are not of this invention.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A phosphate-free automatic dishwashing cleaning composition comprising a protein comprising a protease wherein the protease has at least about 85% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the protease comprises the amino acid substitutions S039E-N074D-S099R-S126A-D127E-F128G-N198A-M211Q-N212Q.
 2. A method of washing soiled dishware in a dishwasher comprising the steps of: i) providing the soiled dishware; ii) using a long hot program, having a main wash cycle lasting more than about 15 minutes at a temperature of at least about 40° C.; iii) treating the dishware with a cleaning composition according to claim 1; and iv) rinsing the dishware.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the protease comprises a substitution at position N116, R207, N242, and/or Q256. 